Dr. Karen Schellenberg

Licensed clinical psychologist in California, I am excited to be New to Headway and currently Open to New California Adult Clients!

I operate a 100% Telehealth practice with residents of California-only designed for outpatient therapy for clients with mild to moderate mental health concerns. My practice is not structured to provide intensive crisis or emergency services, child custody, legal or forensic services or employee assistant disability services. Consequently, I am unable to accept new clients who are currently on an active medical or psychological leave of absence for work-related stress, or those seeking documentation to secure workplace accommodations or disability benefits. If your needs fall outside this scope or require specialized medical, behavioral health, or forensic care, I recommend seeking a provider or clinic that specializes directly in that specific field.

Background: I have gathered a wide range of experience in multiple settings including, but not limited to a university-based counseling centers, university research centers, medical centers, community clinics and locked psychiatric facilities. Doctorate degree from APA-accredited training program at Pepperdine University, 2003. Doctoral dissertation on resiliency and social competency. APA-accredited internship at Pacific Clinics, Community Mental Health setting. Post-doctoral hours at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Worked at UCLA on a clinical research team, then moved into clinical and administrative work managing a satellite clinic for a nonprofit organization (Prototypes) then moved into private practice work. I bring with me multiple years of education, training, and clinical experience supporting individuals through periods of complexity, change, and growth.

I use an approach called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Within this framework, we will have an ongoing collaboration, identifying how your thoughts, emotions, behaviors and physiology work together so you can learn and practice new ways to move forward more effectively. Together, we will explore the challenges you face, identify and build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies to support meaningful change. Evidence-based therapy for those seeking insight and improved relationships, practical solutions, stress management, better coping skills, and a reduction in symptoms. It is my goal to help you feel more confident, capable, and empowered in your daily life.

Clients can expect an initial conversation to understand their goals, background, and what they’d like support with. From there, sessions focus on practical strategies, insight, and progress over time. I work with adult individuals at many stages of life, young adults in college or just starting out, professionals, parents of all ages including empty-nesters dealing with mild to moderate mental health issues.